Bentleigh Secondary School in Melbourne's east has beaten candidates from Canada, United Arab Emirates and the US to be named the most sustainable educational institution according to the International Green Awards which were held in London this month.
Suters Architects have been involved with the school over many years in the redevelopment of the entire campus and worked in partnership with the college to design stages 1 and 2.
Project Leader, John Schout said that the campus has a positive effect on the environment as well as changing the behaviour of staff and students to best practice environmental management.
"A new building, a Meditation and Indigenous Cultural Centre, designed entirely of timber is an example of sustainable carbon capture principles and will be completed in 2013."
"Key ESD initiatives include shading and natural light, solar panels, water treatment and wetlands and a planned thermal heating and cooling system."
Speaking on ABC Radio National Bill Thomas, Head of Sustainability at the College said:
"The Meditation and Indigenous Centre is a 100 per cent sustainable and 100 per cent renewable building. A lot of people have chipped in to create this wonderful place. Suters Architects delivered all their services pro bono. The whole structure is a true community facility," he said.
York University (Canada) took Silver and University of Washington (USA) took the Bronze prize in the Most Sustainable Educational Institution award category.
